A team of engineers from MGE Engineering convened with City Hall staff yesterday before conducting a comprehensive field inspection at the Gulling Street Bridge location.
Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy reported that while the long-standing erosion of soil surrounding the bridge’s foundation dating back to 2006 persists and requires attention, the engineering team affirmed that the Super Structure of the bridge remains in good condition. Built with redundancy, all piers are reported to be in sound shape, mitigating concerns of imminent catastrophic failure.
However, in light of recent Cal Trans findings and recommendations concerning scour critical status, the city is taking a proactive approach to address potential risks.
In collaboration, the Public Works Director and Kennedy have outlined key decisions to modify current traffic limitations on the bridge.
The paramount concern is ensuring safe travel, particularly for school buses. The city has communicated to Plumas Unified SD Superintendent Bill Roderick that the school district can maintain a normal bus schedule with some adjustments. The established 10 mph speed limit for bus crossings will persist, accompanied by coordinated traffic control overseen by city staff.
Other modifications will include a speed limit reduction for all vehicles to 15 mph while crossing the bridge. Reducing rates of speed for all vehicles significantly reduces the physical impact on the bridge.
The city will be working with Intermountain Disposal to be able to continue their routes as well with similar speed limits and traffic control measures as those of the school buses.
Engineers will be compiling data collected from historical documentation and the recent site visit and will expedite a report with recommendations for a plan of action going forward.
Photo: Google Maps, Gulling Street Bridge Portola & U.S. Geological Survey Scour graphic
